G7: Patriot emergency in Kiev, weapons and loans from Russian funds

From the G7 Foreign Ministers political signals arrive and concrete projects. Yesterday was Ukraine day. Antonio Tajaniin his capacity as rotating president of the assembly, invited Dmytro Kuleba. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister addressed a dramatic appeal to the representatives of the seven most industrialized countries, in the presence of Jens Stoltenberg, secretary of NATO: «Destroy all Russian missilesas you have shot down all those Iranians launched against Israel.”

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Kuleba and of course Zelensky ask above all for air defense systems. There German minister, Annalena Baerbockannounced yesterdayto deliver a battery of Patriot missiles. The Berlin government has already begun to sound out several countries to put together other systems. But for now there are no concrete commitments: the Ukrainians would need 25 Patriots to defend the territory. Or at least 7 for essential coverage. Here because the discussion between the ministers was very lively. The most substantial contribution is expected from the USA. The Secretary of State, Antony Blinkenassured that the American Patriots will be delivered as soon as Congress approves the aid package for 61 billion (about 50 in arms) for Ukraine. Maybe it will happen over the weekend. Blinken and Kuleba have Italy was also called into question, asking to hand over to the Ukrainians the SAMP-T, a system built with the French, very effective for the defense of large cities. Tajani replied to journalists: “We are evaluating, but we don’t have Patriot and we have sent our material.” Italy has five SAMP-T devices. One has already been sent to Kiev and the others are engaged in missions abroad. Only one remains on the national territory which will be deployed in Bari to protect the airspace during the G7 of the heads of state in June.

Kuleba, however, returns home with two important news. The first concerns Russian monetary reserves frozen especially in European banks. Until now, the hypothesis in the field was to transfer only the accrued interest, around three billion dollars, to the Ukrainians, leaving the 300 billion in capital intact. A maneuver viewed with distrust by several central banks who fear repercussions for monetary stability. The Americans, then, suggest to use those three billion as collateral to take out loans for Ukraine. A leverage mechanism that would allow mobilization between 16 and 20 billion in resources. Tajani confirmed that “there is the legal basis” for intervening, although the technical aspects will have to be studied in depth “so as not to violate international law”. The decision will be made at the G7 leaders’ meeting in June. The other initiative comes from the United Kingdom. Minister David Cameron is probing other states to recover heavy artillery to turn to Kiev.

Europe, therefore, moves by specialisation. The Czech Republic had organized the “collection” for ammunition. Germany for the Patriots. And now the UK for long range guns. All this with an increasingly acute sense of urgency, because, as Stoltenberg said, “we cannot afford any more delays”.

But the emergency is general. Tajani listed the issues addressed: from Gaza to Iran; from the threats of the Houthis to the relationship with Africa. The G7 is trying to revive decidedly declining relations with the so-called “Global South”. We will find traces of it in the statement that will be released today, at the end of the summit. It is confirmed the proposal to apply further sanctions to Iran, penalizing regime figures involved in the production of drones and missiles, used to hit Israel or given to the Russians or the Houthis. United States and United Kingdom have already identified the personalities to be penalized above all by blocking financial assets held in the two countries. Italy, France and GermanyTajani further said, «they will take decisions within the European Union next Monday (22 April, ed) we will discuss it in an EU Council of Ministers.”

According to rumors, the G7 should not take an official position to urge Israel to limit the expected retaliation against Iran. The Seven Ministers have taken note that Benjamin Netanyahu will proceed anyway. Everyone agrees, however, to insist that the Israeli government accept the ceasefire in Gaza and leave green light for food aid.

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April 18, 2024

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